The Premier League has explained why Kai Havertz's late goal was disallowed for Arsenal against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a game where the Gunners looked like they would win easily at one stage, but two goals from Villa in the second half completely turned the score around.
Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins scored goals in the second half for Unai Emery's team to spoil Arsenal's celebration.
The controversial moment in the match came late in the match when a shot from Havertz was deflected and went straight into the net.
Arsenal players began to celebrate what they thought was a legitimate goal, but the referee summoned them, and after a VAR check, their goal was canceled due to the ball colliding with Havertz’s hand.
The Premier League has since issued a statement on its X account, revealing why the goal was disallowed.
the Premier League Match Centre Account published:
“Arsenal's goal was awarded on the field. The Video Assistant Referee established that the ball struck Havertz's arm directly before entering the goal and recommended that the goal be disallowed.
#ARSAVL – 88' has been overturned
Arsenal's goal was awarded on the pitch. The Video Assistant Referee confirmed that the ball hit Havertz's arm directly before entering the goal and recommended that the goal be disallowed.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 18, 2025
Arsenal's second-half collapse sums up their season
The Gunners once again missed a number of chances to finish off the game and subsequently cost them two points in the race for the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, Liverpool won their match with two late goals from Darwin Nunez and consolidated their position in the title race.
The game showed that the Gunners need depth in their squad as the only attacking option to come off the bench was Raheem Sterling.
No wonder they are looking to sign a striker this month and have been linked with Transfer of Victor Guikiris from Sporting Lisbon also Yoani Wessa from Brentford.
